Forward direction guide device and caster with the same

Abstract

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the invention may comprise: at least one wheel; at least one wheel bracket rotatably supporting the wheel on a bogie; a forward guide device disposed between the wheel bracket and the bogie and causing the wheel to move in a forward direction when the wheel is unloaded; and at least one fixed bracket coupled to the bogie, rotatably coupled to the wheel bracket, and supporting the forward guide device, wherein the forward guide device may comprise a forward guide coupled to the wheel bracket; a roller disposed in close contact with the forward guide and coupled with the forward guide to direct the forward guide in a forward direction; and an elastic body connected to the roller and providing a force that causes the roller to maintain a state of close contact with the forward guide, thereby providing a force that directs the forward guide in a forward direction. In addition to this, various embodiments as identified through the specification are possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to casters installed on the lower part of a transport tool, such as a trolley, to facilitate movement, and in particular, to casters applied to a transport tool for automatically transporting a trolley to retrieve or load parts or products in automated logistics. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, casters are moving devices installed for the convenience of movement, and can be installed at the bottom of transport tools, such as carts that transport various goods, to provide convenience of movement.

[0004] The cast installed on such a bogie is installed on the lower part of the bogie using at least one bracket, and the wheel of the cast can be supported so as to rotate freely by the wheel bracket.

[0005] When automating logistics, casters require a process to align the direction of travel of the wheels, and can be aligned in the forward direction by a separately manufactured automatic alignment device. For example, a trolley can be moved to the left or right, or in the forward or reverse direction by the casters. The problem to be solved

[0007] However, the caster mounted on the bogie has a structure that cannot be mixed with general-purpose casters, and because the cam shape is elliptical, there is a high probability of reverse alignment, so there is a high probability that the caster will be loaded when moving while in contact with the ground.

[0008] In addition, casters in which the wheels are aligned in the forward direction by a cam method require additional manufacturing when applied to transport tools or off-the-shelf products, and there is a high probability that the casters will be subjected to a load during ground movement due to reverse alignment.

[0009] In processes where the automation of material or product input and output is applied, when using a trolley, the direction of travel of the casters must be aligned squarely by a person so that they can be placed on the guide rail on the ground. Therefore, it is necessary to align the direction of travel of the caster wheels, and when implementing logistics automation, it is necessary to implement a separate automatic alignment device.

[0010] The various embodiments disclosed in this document provide a forward guide device and a caster including the same that can be used economically and flexibly during logistics automation processes without manual forward alignment of the wheel or forward alignment using an automatic alignment device by adding a forward guide device to the caster. means of solving the problem

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise at least one wheel; at least one wheel bracket that rotatably supports the wheel on a bogie; a forward guide device disposed between the wheel bracket and the bogie and which moves the wheel in a forward direction when the wheel is unloaded; and at least one fixed bracket that is coupled to the bogie, rotatably coupled to the wheel bracket, and supports the forward guide device, wherein the forward guide device may comprise a forward guide coupled to the wheel bracket; a roller disposed in close contact with the forward guide and coupled with the forward guide to direct the forward guide in a forward direction; and an elastic body (43) connected to the roller and providing a force that causes the roller to maintain a state of close contact with the forward guide, thereby providing a force that directs the forward guide in a forward direction.

[0013] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a guide rail is formed along an edge and the forward guide has a shape indicating a direction; a roller is positioned in close contact with the guide rail and is coupled with the forward guide to direct the forward guide in a forward direction; and an elastic body has one end connected to the roller and provides a force to maintain the roller in close contact with the forward guide, thereby providing a force to direct the forward guide in a forward direction. Effects of the invention

[0015] According to the various embodiments disclosed in this document, by means of casters that automatically align in the forward direction when the wheel is unloaded, forward movement is facilitated, and it is possible to contribute to cost reduction of the automated line without using automatic alignment equipment.

[0016] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of a transport tool in which a forward guide device according to various embodiments is arranged. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing a caster including a forward guide device according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a caster including a forward guide device according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a forward guide device placed on a caster according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments. FIG. 6a is a perspective view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments, showing a state in which the forward guide is removed. FIG. 6b is a side view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments, and is a drawing showing a state in which the forward guide is removed. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments, and is a drawing showing a state in which the forward guide is removed. FIGS. 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of rollers according to various embodiments, respectively. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of roller fixing blocks according to various embodiments. FIG. 12 is a front view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a forward guide inclined at a certain angle under a load condition of a wheel according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a state in which a forward guide is rotated and aligned toward the forward direction in an unloaded state of a wheel according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a state in which a forward guide is rotated and aligned toward the reverse direction in an unloaded state of a wheel according to various embodiments. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of a transport tool in which a forward guide device according to various embodiments is arranged.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a transport tool (10) according to various embodiments is a moving device used to take out or load parts or products in automated logistics, and may include a trolley (20) and a caster (30) mounted on the lower part of the trolley. A caster (30) according to various embodiments may include at least one wheel (w), at least one wheel bracket (31), at least one fixed bracket (32), and a forward guide device (40).

[0022] According to various embodiments, the trolley (20) may be a loading box for loading parts or products. According to various embodiments, the wheel (w) may be a part mounted on the lower part of the trolley (20) to facilitate the movement of the trolley (20).

[0023] According to various embodiments, at least one fixed bracket (32) may be coupled to the bogie (20) and may be a fastening device for fixing the forward guide device (40) to the bottom of the bogie (20). For example, the fixed bracket may be made of a rigid metal material.

[0024] According to various embodiments, at least one wheel bracket (31, 311) may be a support device capable of rotatably supporting a wheel (w) on a bogie (20). For example, one wheel bracket (31) may support the free rotation of the wheel (w), and another wheel bracket may be coupled to one wheel bracket (31) and the other end may be coupled to a fixed bracket (32).

[0025] According to various embodiments, the fixed bracket (32) can be rotatably coupled to the wheel bracket (31). For example, the coupling method may use a fastening structure using a fastener or laser welding, and a bearing may be further installed on the rotation axis. According to various embodiments, the fixed bracket (32) may have a plurality of fastening holes formed therein so that it can be fastened to the lower part of the bogie (20) using a fastener, such as a screw or a bolt and nut.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the forward guide device (40) may be positioned between the wheel bracket (31) and the fixed bracket (32). According to various embodiments, the forward guide device (40) may be a device that provides a force to direct the wheel (w) in the forward direction when the wheel (w) is unloaded, and a maintaining force during forward alignment. For example, the forward guide device (40) may be a device that maintains the aligned state after aligning the wheel (w) facing left or right in the forward direction when the wheel (w) is unloaded.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing a caster including a forward guide device according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a caster including a forward guide device according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a forward guide device disposed on a caster according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments. FIG. 6a is a perspective view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments, illustrating a state in which the forward guide is removed. FIG. 6b is a side view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments, illustrating a state in which the forward guide is removed. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments, illustrating a state in which the forward guide is removed.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, according to various embodiments, the forward guide device (40) may include a forward guide (41), an elastic body (43), and a roller (42). According to various embodiments, the forward guide device (40) may generate a forward alignment force of the forward guide (41) by the interlocking of the forward guide (41), the roller (42), and the elastic body (43).

[0029] According to various embodiments, the wheel bracket (31, 311) may include a first wheel bracket (31) that supports the free rotation of the wheel (w), and a second wheel bracket (311) that is fastened to the first wheel bracket (31) and connected to a fixed bracket (32). According to various embodiments, the first wheel bracket (31) supports the free rotation of the wheel (w), and the second wheel bracket (311) may be rotatably connected to the first wheel bracket (31).

[0030] According to various embodiments, the first wheel bracket (31) may include a cylindrical portion (310) at the top. According to various embodiments, the cylindrical portion (310) may be a portion into which a forward guide (41) is inserted and fixed.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the forward guide (41) may be fixed in a state where it is inserted into the cylindrical portion (310) of the first wheel bracket (31). According to various embodiments, the forward guide (41) may have a mounting hole (412) formed in a central area for insertion into the cylindrical portion (310) of the first wheel bracket (31). For example, the mounting hole (412) may be circular, but is not limited thereto.

[0032] According to various embodiments, a guide rail (411) may be formed along the edge of the forward guide (41). According to various embodiments, the guide rail (411) may be extended along the edge as a vertical wall type of a certain width as a movement path on which the roller (42) rolls. According to various embodiments, the guide rail (411) may be a part on which the roller (42) rolls, and may be a part that is always in close contact with the roller (42).

[0033] According to various embodiments, the roller (42) may move along the guide rail (411) while in close contact with the guide rail (411). According to various embodiments, the moving force of the roller (42) may be provided by an elastic body (43). For example, the roller (42) may roll along the inner surface of the guide rail (411) while being received in the forward guide (41). According to various embodiments, the roller (42) may be rotatably assembled to the roller fixing block (45) by a hinge.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the elastic body (43) may be connected to the roller (42) to provide a force that causes the roller (42) to adhere to the guide rail (411). For example, the elastic body (43) may be a tension spring. According to various embodiments, one end (43a) of the elastic body (43) may be connected to the roller fixing block (45), and the other end (43b) may be fixed to the fixing bracket (32) by the elastic body fixing bracket (47).

[0035] According to various embodiments, the roller fixing block (45) may move along the roller fixing block guide (44) while being received in the roller fixing block guide (44). According to various embodiments, the roller fixing block guide (44) may extend in a straight line and be fixed to the bottom surface of the fixing bracket (32). For example, the roller fixing block (45) may move forward or backward along the roller fixing block guide (44).

[0036] According to various embodiments, the roller fixing block guide (44) is linear and can guide the linear movement of the roller fixing block (45).

[0037] FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 are cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of rollers according to various embodiments, respectively.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, according to various embodiments, the roller (42) may be positioned to be in close contact with the guide rail (411) of the forward guide (41) and capable of rolling along the guide rail (411). According to various embodiments, the roller (42) may be positioned to be rotatable by a hinge (420). According to various embodiments, the roller (42) may be positioned on the forward guide (41) such that the hinge (420) faces in an up-and-down direction, and may be rotatable around the hinge (420), and the outer surface of the roller (42) may maintain a state of close contact with the inner surface of the guide rail (411). According to various embodiments, it may be inserted into a hole formed in the roller fixing block (45) to provide a rotation axis for the roller (42).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the hinge pin (46) is a metal pin, one end of which is fixed by insertion into a hole formed in the roller fixing block (45), and the other end of which is fixed to one end (43a) of the elastic body (43). According to various embodiments, the hinge pin (46) may be positioned to face upward and downward in parallel with the hinge (420).

[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of rollers according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of roller fixing blocks according to various embodiments.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, according to various embodiments, the roller fixing block (45) may be slidably positioned along the roller fixing block guide (44). According to various embodiments, the roller fixing block (45) may be constrained to the roller fixing block guide (44) and may be capable of limited movement along the longitudinal direction of the roller fixing block guide (44). For example, the roller fixing block (45) may perform linear movement and reciprocating movement along the roller fixing block guide (44).

[0042] According to various embodiments, since the roller (42) is always subjected to a force that pulls it toward the other end of the elastic body (43), it can be maintained in close contact with the guide rail (411), and the roller fixing block (45) may be subjected to a force directed toward the other end of the elastic body (43) within the roller fixing block guide (44).

[0043] According to various embodiments, when the wheel (w) is unloaded, a roller (42) in close contact with a guide rail (411) on the long or short side of a forward guide (41) can provide a pushing force that enables the forward guide (41) to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise by the restoring force of an elastic body (43). Depending on this pushing force of the roller, the forward guide can rotate and be positioned in the forward or reverse direction.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a front view showing a forward guide device according to various embodiments.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 12, the forward guide (41) according to various embodiments may have a shape that indicates direction when viewed from above. For example, the forward guide (41) may have the shape of a compass needle. According to various embodiments, the forward guide (41) may have a guide rail (411) in the shape of a vertical wall formed along the edge and a mounting hole (412) formed in the center area.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the forward guide (41) includes four corner portions (4131-4134), and the direction in which the first corner portion (4131) where two long sides meet is the forward direction, and the direction in which the second corner portion (4133) where two short sides meet is the reverse direction.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the first corner portion (4131) may be formed to have a first curvature, and the second corner portion (4133) may be formed to have a second curvature. For example, the second curvature may be formed to be greater than the first curvature.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the forward guide (41) may include a first part (416) indicating a forward direction and a second part (417) indicating a reverse direction with respect to the mounting hole (412). For example, the direction in which the first part (416) faces and the direction in which the second part (417) faces may be opposite to each other. According to various embodiments, the first and second parts (416, 417) may be asymmetric to each other with respect to the mounting hole (412). According to various embodiments, the forward guide (41) may facilitate forward placement according to its asymmetrical shape.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a forward guide inclined at a certain angle in a loaded state of a wheel according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a forward guide rotated and aligned toward the forward direction in an unloaded state of a wheel according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a forward guide rotated and aligned toward the reverse direction in an unloaded state of a wheel according to various embodiments.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, according to various embodiments, as in FIG. 13, the wheel (w) may be positioned to face a certain inclined direction under a loaded state of the wheel (w), and the forward guide (41) may also face the inclined direction.

[0051] According to various embodiments, in the unloaded state of the wheel (w), the forward guide (41) can rotate counterclockwise by the restoring force of the elastic body (43) applied to the roller (42) in contact with the guide rail (411). The state in which the forward guide (41) is aligned in the forward direction and then stopped is shown in FIG. 14.

[0052] According to various embodiments, in the unloaded state of the wheel (w), the forward guide (41) can rotate clockwise by the restoring force of the elastic body (43) applied to the roller (42) in close contact with the guide rail (411). A state in which the forward guide (41) is aligned in the reverse direction is illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the roller (42) may contribute to providing a forward or reverse force depending on the close position between the guide rails (411) on the four sides formed in the forward guide (41).

[0054] According to various embodiments, a caster of a transport tool comprises: at least one wheel; at least one wheel bracket rotatably supporting the wheel on a bogie; a forward guide device disposed between the wheel bracket and the bogie and causing the wheel to move in a forward direction when the wheel is unloaded; and at least one fixed bracket coupled to the bogie, rotatably coupled to the wheel bracket, and supporting the forward guide device, wherein the forward guide device may include a forward guide coupled to the wheel bracket; a roller disposed in close contact with the forward guide and coupled with the forward guide to direct the forward guide in a forward direction; and an elastic body connected to the roller and providing a force that causes the roller to maintain close contact with the forward guide, thereby providing a force that directs the forward guide in a forward direction.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the forward guide may have the shape of a compass needle pointing approximately in the forward direction and in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction when viewed from above.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the compass needle may have a shape in which the part indicating the forward direction and the part indicating the reverse direction are asymmetrical with respect to the center.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the first corner portion where the two long sides of the needle meet may indicate the forward direction, and the second corner portion where the two short sides meet may indicate the reverse direction.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the forward guide may further include a guide rail along which the roller can roll.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the guide rail may have a vertical wall shape and extend along the edge of the forward guide.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the forward guide may include a mounting hole for coupling to the wheel bracket.

[0061] According to various embodiments, a roller fixing block to which a roller is coupled; and

[0062] It may further include a roller fixing block guide that guides the movement of the above roller fixing block and is coupled to the above fixing bracket.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the roller fixing block moves linearly along the fixing block guide and can receive a force from the elastic body to move closer to the elastic body.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the roller may be rotatably positioned on the roller fixing block.

[0065] According to various embodiments, one end of the elastic body (43) is fixed to the roller fixing block, and the other end is fixed to the fixing bracket, so as to provide a pulling force for the roller.

[0066] According to various embodiments, a forward guide device for a caster may include: a forward guide having a shape indicating direction and a guide rail formed along an edge; a roller disposed in close contact with the guide rail and coupled with the forward guide to direct the forward guide in a forward direction; and an elastic body having one end connected to the roller to provide a force that maintains the roller in close contact with the forward guide, thereby providing a force that directs the forward guide in a forward direction.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the forward guide may have the shape of a compass needle pointing approximately in the forward direction and in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction when viewed from above.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the compass needle may have a shape in which the part indicating the forward direction and the part indicating the reverse direction are asymmetrical with respect to the center.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the guide rail may have a vertical wall shape and extend along the edge of the forward guide.

Claims

Claim 1 A caster for a transport tool comprises: at least one wheel; at least one wheel bracket rotatably supporting the wheel on a bogie; a forward guide device disposed between the wheel bracket and the bogie and causing the wheel to move in a forward direction when the wheel is unloaded; and at least one fixed bracket coupled to the bogie and rotatably coupled to the wheel bracket and supporting the forward guide device, wherein the forward guide device comprises a forward guide coupled to the wheel bracket; a roller disposed in close contact with the forward guide and coupled with the forward guide to direct the forward guide in a forward direction; and an elastic body connected to the roller and providing a force to maintain the roller in close contact with the forward guide, thereby providing a force to direct the forward guide in a forward direction, wherein the forward guide comprises a guide rail configured to allow the roller to roll along the edge of the forward guide. Claim 2 In claim 1, the forward guide is a caster having the shape of a compass needle pointing in the forward direction and the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction when viewed from above. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the compass needle is a caster having a shape in which the part indicating the forward direction and the part indicating the reverse direction are asymmetrical with respect to the center. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, a caster in which the first corner portion where the two long sides of the needle meet indicates the forward direction, and the second corner portion where the two short sides meet indicates the reverse direction. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 In claim 1, the guide rail is in the shape of a vertical wall, and the caster extends along the edge of the forward guide. Claim 7 In claim 1, the forward guide is a caster including a mounting hole for coupling to the wheel bracket. Claim 8 A caster according to claim 1, further comprising: a fixed block to which the roller is coupled; and a fixed block guide that guides the movement of the fixed block and is coupled to the fixed bracket. Claim 9 In claim 8, the fixed block moves linearly along the fixed block guide and is a caster that receives a force from the elastic body to move closer to the elastic body. Claim 10 ◈Claim 10 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In claim 9, the roller is a caster rotatably disposed on the fixed block. Claim 11 In claim 8, one end of the elastic body (43) is fixed to the fixed block, and the other end is fixed to the fixed bracket, and a caster is provided to provide a pulling force for the roller. Claim 12 A forward guide device for a caster, comprising: a forward guide having a shape indicating direction and a guide rail formed along the edge; a roller positioned in close contact with the guide rail and coupled with the forward guide to direct the forward guide in a forward direction; and an elastic body having one end connected to the roller and providing a force to maintain the roller in close contact with the forward guide, thereby providing a force to direct the forward guide in a forward direction, wherein the roller is configured to roll along the guide rail. Claim 13 ◈Claim 13 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Claim 12, the forward guide is a forward guide device having the shape of a compass needle pointing in the forward direction and the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction when viewed from above. Claim 14 ◈Claim 14 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Claim 13, the compass needle is a forward guide device in which the part indicating the forward direction and the part indicating the reverse direction have a shape asymmetrical with respect to the center. Claim 15 ◈Claim 15 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Claim 12, the guide rail is in the shape of a vertical wall and is a forward guide device extending along the edge of the forward guide.

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